What to know about aortic dissections after death of Sen. Lindsey Graham

Senator Lindsey Graham’s family over the weekend MP died “From a short and sudden illness.”

On Sunday, preliminary findings from the District of Columbia Medical Examiner said the senator died of “aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.”

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the body’s main artery that takes blood from the heart and delivers it to the body. According to the Association of Vascular Surgery.

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This tear allows blood to flow between the layers of the aorta and may prevent adequate blood flow from reaching organs in the body.

Dr., assistant professor of vascular surgery at Thomas Jefferson University. “Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that requires rapid diagnosis, as emergency surgery may be necessary. The subsequent decision is made based on the location of the tear in the aorta and the poor blood flow to the organs,” Roberto Aru told ABC News.

This problem can quickly become fatal if blood flowing through the ruptured layers of the aorta ruptures through the outer layer of the aorta.

Symptoms of aortic dissection often appear suddenly and include severe chest or back pain that resembles a heart attack.

Patients often present with “the worst chest or back pain of their life, resembling a tearing or stabbing sensation,” Aru said.

“Anyone experiencing these symptoms or any symptoms that resemble a heart attack should seek emergency medical care,” Aru said. he said. “Timely diagnosis and emergency medical care are crucial for survival and better outcomes, so it can mean the difference between life or death.”

Additional symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, fainting, shortness of breath, leg pain or weakness, difficulty walking, and stroke-like symptoms such as sudden vision loss, difficulty speaking, or weakness, according to the Society of Vascular Surgery.

Depending on where the dissection is located in the aorta and what complications are associated, treatment may require emergency surgery, Aru said.

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There are two types of aortic dissection. Type A dissections are more common and often severe and involve a tear in the aorta close to the heart, called the ascending aorta. Type B dissections result from a tear in the lower part of the aorta, known as the descending thoracic aorta.

Uncomplicated type B aortic dissections can be treated with medications that lower a person’s blood pressure and heart rate, but still require close monitoring and may eventually require surgery in the short or long term, Aru said.

Although rare, aortic dissections are more common among men in their 60s and 70s. People with genetic connective tissue disorders, as well as smokers and those with high blood pressure, are also at high risk. It can also result from trauma.

Nearly 10,000 people died from aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm (a balloon-like bulge in the aorta) in 2019. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People can reduce their risk or prevent aortic dissection from happening by managing blood pressure and avoiding smoking.

Jade A. Cobern, MD, MPH, is a board-certified practicing physician in pediatrics and general preventive medicine and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit. Youri Benadjaoud also contributed to this report.